PhD studentship – EGFR and related therapeutic targets in mesothelioma. Applications are sought from suitably-qualified people wishing to pursue research leading to PhD status under the supervision of leading researchers. Applicants will be expected to hold a minimum of a UK upper second class Honours degree, or equivalent, in an appropriate discipline. This full-time UK/EU PhD Scholarship will include fees at the ‘home/EU’ student rate and maintenance (£13,490 in 2010/11, subject to final confirmation) for three years, depending on satisfactory progress. Supervisors:- Dr Lynn Cawkwell, Prof Michael Lind Median survival for patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is extremely poor and there is a need for effective treatment modalities. EGFR is overexpressed in MPM and in vitro studies show that EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy can induce cytotoxicity in MPM cells. However two small trials show that EGFR TKi’s may not be effective in MPM. The mechanisms of resistance to EGFR TKI therapy may be associated with absence of activating mutations in the EGFR TK domain. Other mechanisms may include loss of PTEN protein (with activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway) or transactivation of EGFR by PGE2. There are no published studies assessing anti-EGFR mAbs in MPM; these are not dependent on the presence of activating mutations at the TK domain. The PTEN, PI3K/AKT/mTOR and PGE2 pathways must be fully investigated in MPM. For example, novel combination therapy using an anti-EGFR mAb with a PGE2 or AKT/mTOR inhibitor may show enhanced therapeutic potential for these patients.

Scholarship Application Deadline: 18 March 2011

Further Scholarship Information and Application